Nourish Your Spirit in the Sisters’ Community at Holy Wisdom Monastery

Follow your spiritual path and find your true calling with the Benedictine Women of Madison.

Do you long for peace, prayer and community? Do you need freedom to reflect on your life’s purpose and deepen your spiritual practice? Are you feeling called, but don’t yet have clarity on what this call is or how you can answer it?

We are here to walk the path of discovery and discernment with you, with the singular goal of helping you live your most authentic life.

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Ground Yourself in the Monastic Rhythm of Life on the Prairie

We believe in the rhythm of prayer, work, study, and leisure as a way to seek God and balance our busy lives.

We welcome women of any Christian denomination to enjoy quiet contemplation in nature and the heart-centered joy of our inclusive, open-minded sisters’ community, the Benedictine Women of Madison at Holy Wisdom Monastery.

Leave the burdens of your busy life behind and experience the beautiful sanctuary of our 130 acres of restored prairie, woodlands, oak savanna and glacial lake.

Let Our Community Embrace and Celebrate You

“At the first retreat I attended at the monastery, I was welcomed so warmly that it felt like coming home.”

– Sister Lynne Smith

At Holy Wisdom Monastery, we delight in providing hospitality, building community and caring for the earth. Seek God as your most authentic self, grounded by the warm embrace and care of the sisters.

Release the stress of emotional labor by joining in communal meals. Enjoy space to listen, breathe and explore within a deeply connected, joyful community of progressive, God-seeking women.

Begin Your Journey with Us

“Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.”

– Frederick Buechner

Experiencing life at Holy Wisdom Monastery can give you a deeper understanding of yourself and your heart’s desires. We encourage you to begin contemplation and exploration:

Discover your true calling from a place of fulfillment and wholeness.

Meet Us

“Benedictine spirituality is one of outreach which calls us to radical hospitality. Inspiring me to be a healing presence. Offering respect for the dignity of others, kindness and attentiveness to the world.”

-Sister Everline

Some women are called to a very special kind of life, one in service to God and humankind. For these women, Holy Wisdom Monastery is a welcoming home.

Our inclusive, love-filled community is a respite and resource to those called to serve God, help others, care for the earth and seek spiritual fulfillment as Benedictine sisters.

Steps to Becoming a Sister

Sister Joanne Kollasch

First profession: 7/1/1954

“I love life in a monastic community and share it with whomever I can.”

Sister Mary David Walgenbach

First profession 1/6/1961

“Our ecumenical community is a daily reminder that in Christ we are one.”

Sister Lynne
Smith

First profession: 6/2/2000

“Life in community calls me to go deeper.”

Sister Everline Jeruto

First profession: 9/26/2021

“God is not fickle, forgetful or fragile in any way. God does not make mistakes.”